One morning in March, two stray dogs that were found sleeping in a city resident's garage were brought to the shelter. The two dogs seemed like a pair and were bonded by companionship. As a part of RAS' initial assessment…
"Many community members are under the belief that any outdoor cat they see is lost and in need of rescue, when in fact they may be absolutely fine. These are people’s owned pets that are allowed outside or they are…
This has been a strangely surreal time for me and our organization. The past 12 months have involved unprecedented national and international collaboration and shared learning within the animal welfare industry in affecting change, innovation, and improvements in how we…
Rochester Animal Services (RAS) has implemented new programs and adjusted services as part of its COVID19 response plan to keep pets with the people who love them, even in challenging times. Many of the adjustments are intended to be components…
Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS), the non-profit organization that exists to support Rochester Animal Services (RAS), has hired Mary Jones as its inaugural executive director. Prior to creation of the new position, VSAS was run entirely by volunteers since its…
At Rochester Animal Services, the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, community and the animals in our care is our highest priority. As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, we are closely monitoring the situation here in our community…
Dear Friends, In response to the recent Citywide declaration of State of Emergency, Rochester Animal Services will be continuing services to the public on a limited basis. We are asking for your help in limiting the number of people through…
We adopted Mila and Milo on March 24 free adoption day. We just wanted to thank you so much ! Milo was so scared when we brought him home but after 4 days he really started coming out of his…
Hi!! I just wanted to give a update on Roady!! We have named him Bruce.....Bruce Wayne to be exact. It was the first name he actually responded to lol. Him and our current dog Franklin get along great, they haven't…
Rochester, N.Y., January 5, 2018 – The Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS) announced this week that it was awarded a $4,746.50 grant from BISSELL Pet Foundation to assist in its mission to support Rochester Animal Services. The grant will be…
As a member of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, we’re asking you to take action for animal shelters across NY. Tell Governor Cuomo how important it is to include the $5 million Companion Animal Capital Fund in his…
Holiday Home Safety Tips for Pets Shireen Haynes No time of the year is more beautiful than the December holidays. Lights, greenery and decorations of all kinds turn our mundane worlds into something magical. The wonder of the season appeals…
Holiday Food Safety Tips for Pets Shireen Haynes December is a festive month with celebrations of all kinds. The upcoming holidays are a time of joy and cheer but nothing can ruin your holiday spirit like a trip to the…
Holiday Visiting and Travel Tips Shireen Haynes One of the greatest joys of the holiday season is getting together with family and friends. Visitors may come in from out-of-town or we may even travel ourselves to go visit loved ones.…
Holidays are always a chaotic time of year with many holiday parties, shopping excursions and often extra house guests. Although we find ourselves with these ‘once a year’ happenings, it’s still important to maintain a consistent schedule when it comes…
We adopted Scarlett and her sister Ava from you and they are such a joy to have around. They love to snuggle. —Brenda to our family. -- ToniLyn
I adopted my two dogs from Verona Street Animal Society. Jasper came to my home in August and Jarvis in January. (Jasper is on top, Jarvis on the bottom.) They love each other and are great dogs. The staff at…
The 11th annual event was a tremendous success drawing in 622 registered runners and 280 registered dog walkers to raise funding and awareness for the animal shelter. The event resulted in adoption of 11 dogs and 2 cats. During the…
After searching for the perfect addition to our family after Buffy passed away over a year ago, fate and good vibes brought us to Maxi. She was a stray that was found running down a busy road and was severely…
We adopted Milton and Charlotte one month ago tomorrow! They are absolutely everything we could've asked for, we are lucky pet parents ❤️ - Tonilyn
Director’s Cut Last year we updated our mission to clarify our commitment to helping animals and people in the Rochester community. All of the changes that we have made over the past few years have been focused on concentrating our…
As we enter the Spring season, pets are out and about, exposing themselves to more potential illnesses. For pets that are indoor only pets, we bring in other potential hazards on shoes and clothing. When in doubt, bringing pets to…
Rochester Animal Services (RAS) and Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS) are both celebrating a recent milestone that a few years ago we could only dream of. In December 2016, we were able to achieve a nearly 93% save rate for…
Written by Jennifer Brown, Founder and President of VSAS. As we come towards the close of another year, it is always fun to look back on all the accomplishments that have happened for VSAS including taking over the Foster Program…
The Friends of Verona Street Animal Shelter (d/b/a Verona Street Animal Society) announced today that the trailer at the Animal Services dog play yard had been burgled. There does not appear to have been forced entry but several items are…
National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week is April 10-16. The dedicated men and women who work in the animal control field have a difficult job rescuing and protecting helpless pets and animals, facing dangerous animals, and helping the community…
This week is National Volunteer Week which is about recognizing our outstanding volunteers that do so much for our cause and the animals in our care. Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS) and Rochester Animal Services (RAS) rely heavily on the…
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Julie Kier. Julie was a longtime volunteer for Rochester Animal Services. As a foster, she helped countless animals along the way on their journey to finding their forever…
Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS) President Jennifer Brown announced today that VSAS has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Best Friends Animal Society. This grant will support the community outreach program administered by the City's Animal Services Bureau. The funds…
Written by Christopher S. Fitzgerald, Director of Animal Services ••••••••••• Last week, Dr. Andrew Newmark, head veterinarian of Rochester Animal Services, received the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the Genesee Valley Veterinary Medical Association (GVVMA). This award is given…
Written by: Debra Calandrillo Photos by: Tara Urbanovitch Thanks to local Eagle Scout candidate, Ricky Keenan from Gates Scout Troop #94, The Play Yard at Rochester Animal Services now has two new agility-like obstacle structures for the dogs to romp…
(June 18, 2015) – City of Rochester News Release Fundraiser A Huge Success Rochester, NY (June 18, 2015) — The City of Rochester Animal Services and the Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS) held their ninth annual benefit, The Fast &…
Peppermint Sewn Seeds was the third annual event that showcases the talent of local designers with part of proceeds benefiting Girls Rock! Rochester and Verona Street Animal Society. News 8's Mark Gruba sat down to discuss the event with members…
Real Men Talking to Men - Photography exhibit featuring Real Rochester Men The Real Men Talking to Men campaign launch photography exhibit will be held on Friday, February 27 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Rochester Brainery in time to…
Be a Hero and Find a New Best Friend at Your Local Animal Shelter ---- Take the Pledge to Adopt a Rescue or Shelter Dog Today! Rochester, NY (October 1, 2014) – There are a million good reasons to consider…
A graffiti artist and a police facility. Two things you don’t expect to see together. Mural artist Mr. P is raising awareness of homeless animals through larger than life-size depictions of a cat and dog at the Rochester Police Department’s Animal…